2005-12-09 12:29:00 North Korean Orthodox clergy to be trained in Russia
Vladivostok, December 9, Interfax - A delegation of North Korean Orthodox clergy has come to Vladivostok from Pyongyang.

The Vladivostok diocesan press service has reported to Interfax on Friday that the four North Korean clerics will be trained for three months at St. Nicholass Cathedral, mastering practical skills of conducting the Orthodox liturgy in Church Slavonic.

Archbishop Veniamin of Vladivostok and Primorye at his meeting with the North Korean brothers was told about the problems the Orthodox clergy have to tackle in their country and was invited to come for the consecration of the Church of the Trinity in Pyongyang. The construction of this church is planned to be completed next August.

The delegation is led by Peter Kim Chkher, deputy chairman of the Orthodox Committee in North Korea. It includes two Korean deacons, Theodore and Ioann, and a graduate of the Gnesiny Music School, Kim En Chang, who will study church music in Vladivostok.

Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia has approved the choice of Vladivostok the Orthodox Committee made for training Korean clergy.